In a decisive move marking the start of his administration, President John Dramani Mahama has exercised his constitutional authority to revoke the appointments of Chief Executives of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDCEs) as well as appointed Assembly Members across the country.

The announcement was made on January 8, 2025, in an official correspondence signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, and addressed to the Chief Director of the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development.

“In accordance with the powers vested in H.E. John Mahama under the provisions of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) as amended by the Local Governance (Amendment) Act, 2017, (Act 940), the following appointments have been revoked effective today:”
Dr Callistus Mahama, Executive Secretary to the President of Ghana

The directive further mandated Coordinating Directors of the various Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to assume responsibility as acting Chief Executives in the interim.

These temporary measures are expected to ensure the smooth functioning of the assemblies until substantive appointments are made.

This action is anticipated to bring a significant shift in local governance, as it effectively dissolves the leadership structure of the assemblies, paving the way for President Mahama to appoint new MMDCEs and Assembly Members aligned with his administration’s vision.

The move underscores the President’s intent to establish a governance team reflective of his policy objectives and campaign promises.

Dr Callistus Mahama, Executive Secretary to the President of Ghana

Legal Justification

The revocation is consistent with Section 20 of Act 936, which grants the President the authority to appoint and revoke the appointments of MMDCEs.

By revoking the appointments of Assembly Members who were appointed under specific provisions of the same Act, the administration has signaled a broad restructuring effort within the local governance framework.

The directive has generated mixed reactions from political analysts, local governance experts, and members of the public. While some view the move as a routine administrative measure following a change in government, others see it as an opportunity for the new administration to address inefficiencies and implement a fresh vision for decentralised governance.

Meanwhile, civil society organizations and advocacy groups are calling for transparency and meritocracy in the appointment process for new MMDCEs.

The revocation of these appointments comes at a critical time when the government is expected to prioritise effective service delivery at the local level.

This decision is widely regarded as an effort to realign governance structures with the broader national development agenda, ensuring that local assemblies operate in sync with the priorities of the Mahama administration.

The letter was copied to Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, and other key offices within the Jubilee House, emphasizing the importance of the directive.

The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development has been tasked with overseeing the transition and ensuring the smooth handover of responsibilities to the acting Chief Executives.